Sam Edelman will deliver the keynote address to the class of 2024 at LIM College’s 85th commencement exercises.
Edelman will also receive LIM’s Distinguished Achievement Award and an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree. The ceremony will take place at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center on May 17 at 9 a.m.
Edelman, who has been in the footwear industry for the past 45 years, launched the footwear division for Ralph Lauren and Esprit, holding an executive role at Candie’s and cofounding Kenneth Cole. Today, his fashion lifestyle brands include Sam Edelman, Circus NY by Sam Edelman and Sam & Libby, which are owned by Caleres. Edelman and his wife, Libby, joined the Caleres family of brands in 2010, establishing the Sam Edelman Division, for which he today serves as cofounder and creative director.
Over the years Edelman has won such awards as Nordstrom’s Partner in Excellence, Footwear News’ Brand of the Year and a place in the Accessories Council Hall of Fame.
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“Sam Edelman’s journey from making products in small New England factories to becoming a global fashion icon with stores bearing his name throughout the world — is inspiring. We are thrilled he will be with us to share words of wisdom for LIM College’s Class of 2024,” said Ron Marshall, president of LIM College.
“As a lifelong New Yorker, I know that LIM College is a leader in education within the fashion industry, bringing knowledge and real-world experiences to students who go on to do great things in the business. I look forward to the opportunity to share my story and my experiences with the graduates, which I hope encourages them to pursue their own career dreams with passion,” Edelman said.
